KARACHI: Both arms of an eight-year-old boy had to be amputated by doctors due to severe burns he had sustained after an 11,000-Volt electrical wire fell on him in the street where he was playing on Aug 25.

The incident took place in Ahsanabad Sector-4 off Superhighway. As a result of the electric shock, both of Umar’s arms were badly burnt and doctors had to amputate them in order to save his life.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has taken notice of the incident and sought report from the commissioner. He also instructed him to provide the best treatment to the child.

PTI leader and MPA-elect from the locality Haleem Adil Shaikh regretted over the incident and told the media that such accidents had become a norm due to K-Electric’s negligence. He assured the family of the boy of every possible help.

Malir SSP Sheeraz Nazeer told Dawn that the boy’s parents had not lodged a complaint yet but if they did so, the police would register an FIR.

SITE Superhighway SHO Humayun Ahmed Khan said the boy was admitted to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where the investigation officer (IO) visited him. The IO wanted to know whether the family would like to lodge a case but they told him that they were at the moment busy with the boy’s treatment and would approach the police in this regard later. The SHO said the police officer again approached the family two days later but the victim’s parents said they were engaged in ‘talks’ with the K-Electric.

Meanwhile, the family of the boy has said they are going to approach the police and take legal action against the power utility.

K-Electric regrets the incident

A KE spokesman told Dawn on Thursday that they were deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident. “We extend our sympathies to the family. We are taking this matter seriously and remain available to extend support to the family, including medical expenses during this time and for further treatment/rehabilitation,” the spokesman said.

A similar incident had taken place in Model Colony around the same time last year when another eighth-year-old boy, Azaan, lost his life after being electrocuted from a pole leaking current.

Area residents had complained about the matter to the KE but their slow response led to the loss of a young life four hours later.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2018